Christian festivals are a rare breed, and very difficult to explain to those who have never been. They each have their own quirks, so having spent the week at Spring Harvest week one in Minehead, we've put together a list of 12 things you'll undoubtedly find here...
1. An inexplicable number of palm trees. These are everywhere - outside your front door, lining the pavement, and at the entrance to the fairground (as pictured). They are so prevalent that it wouldn't be at all surprising to come across one in the swimming pool. Unfortunately, the brisk wind is an ever-present reminder that you are not, in fact, on a beach in Bali, but in Somerset. Still, who doesn't love a stay-cation?
2. Veggietales. These are a Spring Harvest staple, and there may well be some kind of five-a-day policy in place. Everyone's favourite legumey friends pop up all over the shop, usually accompanied by a veggie-pun. Our favourite? Beauty and the Beet.
3. Speaking of puns... See what they did here? Who doesn't want an every day object emblazoned with a Bible verse - it's sure to be a crowd pleaser in the office and a winning evangelism technique.
4. Pimp your Bible. Fed up of your favourite book getting dog-eared in your bag? Well fear not - Spring Harvest has you covered (pun intended). For just a few of your English pounds, you can purchase a zip-up case to protect your wares. Options range from the classic leather-look, to a more jazzy magenta. The choice is yours.
5. Christian T-shirts. It just wouldn't be a Christian conference without some Christian T-shirt puns and there's something here for everyone. Feeling carnivorous? What about a piglet squeaking "Jesus saved my bacon?". A top emblazoned with "Don't stop believin'" is sure to please any Glee fan, or "My what I call Holy T-shirt" would go down well with the Miranda crowd. If in doubt, stay biblical – "Keep Pslam and Carry On". #EPIC.
6. A selection of (possibly) the worst films ever made. This is a bold claim, but the Christian Today team actually purchased and watched God's Not Dead, and the less said about that the better. There are no doubt some good faith-based films out there, though, and what better way to immerse yourself fully in the festival scene than to be really smug about the telly in your chalet? Camping has always been overrated.
7. Constant reminders of where you are. Just in case you forget, some lucky chalet-dwellers will find a picture of the Butlins Skyline in their own front room. The window is quite far away, after all.
8. Niche cards. Baptism is a popular theme, along with many a sweet Easter greeting. We're yet to spot any 'Happy St Vladimir Day' cards, (put July 15 in your diary, wouldn't want to miss that) but there's still hope.
9. Flag dancers. Full marks for enthusiasm (note that as in most churches, Christians don't sit at the front here, either).
10. Anoraks. Anoraks everywhere. We're nothing if not a practical bunch.
